Work

Targeting copper metabolic homeostasis to enable cuproptosis-based cancer therapy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT: Cuproptosis, a recently defined form of programmed cell death, provides a new vantage point for cancer therapy. In tumor cells, copper (Cu) metabolic homeostasis is essential to satisfy heightened copper demands while preventing its toxicity. Disruption of this equilibrium, resulting in excessive intracellular copper accumulation, is a prerequisite for initiating cuproptosis. This review systematically synthesizes current knowledge on the dual roles of copper in tumorigenesis, progression, and therapeutic exploitation. It delineates the regulatory network governing copper metabolic homeostasis in cancer cells and summarizes the molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis. Furthermore, the discussion focuses on how disruption of this homeostasis triggers cuproptosis, highlighting key molecular pathways and druggable targets. Emerging therapeutic strategies leveraging copper biology in oncology are also examined. Collectively, targeting copper metabolic homeostasis represents a compelling approach for the advancement of cuproptosis-based tumor therapies, which hold substantial clinical promise.

Source: Chinese Medical Journal

DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000004133

Authors: Chenliang Zhang, Xinyu Dai, Liping Li

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, West China Medical Center of Sichuan University, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Trace Elements in Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000